FAQs
Dry Material Handling Equipment—Simultaneous Batching, Dispensers, Bulk Bags
Q. Will your system produce different batches simultaneously?
A. Yes—our system designs accommodate multiple, simultaneous batching within broad parameters. For more information
Q: What are the advantage of using polyethylene, rather than steel or stainless steel, for dry ingredient dispensers?
A: Our rotationally molded dry ingredient dispensers withstand up to 11″ of mercury vacuum before collapse. They are exceptionally resistant to mechanical damage, and will not sweat when warm material is placed in a cool dispenser, or the reverse.
These dispensers are food grade, and are ideal for ultra high density powders, as well as highly abrasive material, such as sand. Where steel sand hoppers have a 4–6 month service life, for example, the engineered plastic dry ingredient dispensers supplied by Ingredient Masters have a service life of 6 years or more Read here for more information.
Q: Are the dispensers USDA approved?
A: The dispensers are USDA, 3A, FDA and EPA approved.
Q: What are the advantages of bulk bags?
A: FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers) or bulk bags are recyclable: they can be easily cleaned and re-used. Bulk bags also do not add to the plant’s dunnage. And bulk bags are an ergonomic alternative to 50 and 100-lb. bags. They are handled with a forklift or overhead hoist and can discharge 2000 lbs. in less than 60 seconds.
Q: Do I need a bulk bag conditioner?
A: Read our page on this important subject.
Q: Why use a lifting frame to handle bulk bags?
A: The bulk bags lifting frame allows bulk bags to be picked up by the forklift operator from the bottom, and lifted all the way to the ceiling.
Q: What’s the capital cost of a typical custom system that uses bulk bags, dispensers, and other equipment common to powder processing?
A: Our dry material handling equipment ranges in cost from $5,000 to $500,000.
Q: What type of valves are used on the dispensers?
A: Standard manual valves are a 304 S/S pivot point metering or computer-controlled slide gate. We also use screw feeders, vibratory feeders, rotary air locks, and vacuum pick-ups.
Q: What is the framework material?
A: Carbon steel painted with 316S/S Steel-It paint or 304 S/S is standard; 316 and 316L are available.
Q: What if I can't get material in bulk bags?
A: We work with your suppliers to ensure that when the volume justifies bulk bags, this can be accommodated. We have worked with suppliers on adapting to bulk bags for over 30 years.
Q: Can existing equipment be used in a new powder material handling system?
A: Our equipment configurations often incorporate existing equipment. We believe in using as much of the on-hand equipment as possible to minimize costs.
Q. Do you offer integrated batching systems, with conveyors?
A: Yes, Ingredient Masters supplies high quality pneumatic conveyor systems, for companies who want an integrated, and very cost-efficient package.
Q: What industries does Ingredient Masters serve?
A: I.M. started in the food industry in 1980, and now serves a wide range of industries, including foods and flavorings, pharmaceutical, foundries, refractories, petrochemical, plastic, ceramic and fertilizers.
Q: Does Ingredient Masters offer on-site assistance?
A: Yes, we have 23 sales reps in the U.S. and Canada who provide on-site evaluations and service. We also offer a comprehensive Powder Handling Process Analysis that covers all facets of your operation, from receiving through process documentation.
Q: What are the advantages of Ingredient Masters' dry material handling equipment?
A: Low capital cost, reduced manual labor, equipment flexibility, and exceptional system reliability are primary advantages of our systems. Often, systems improve product consistency, lower materials costs by reducing waste, and decrease dust emissions as well. Ingredient Masters systems incorporate bulk bags and other ergonomic principles, so they minimize lifting injuries and improve productivity. The use of bulk bags also significantly reduces dunnage and waste handling costs.
Q: What size dispensers are available?
A: Standard dispenser capacities are 3.5, 8, 17, 28, 30, 42, 54, 70, 85 and 110 cu. ft. We also supply custom sizes.
In 2010, Ingredient Masters introduced a new dispenser design, which is manufactured in 8, 11 and 15 cu. ft. capacities.
Q. What’s the largest capacity system you can manufacture?
A: There is no “limit” on capacity per se. Recently, we shipped a system that will be 17′ tall, 30′ long, and 13′ wide. It has twelve 110 cu. ft. dispensers, each with a material capacity of 30,000 lbs. The system will batch 8500 to 10,000 lb. recipes with an accuracy of ± 1 lb.
